Manchester United-Bayern Munich: A Tale Of Two Halves

For those of you who were lucky (or for those with heart conditions, unlucky) enough to watch this spectacle of a game at Old Trafford, you know that there is much to be gleaned from this match-up.

It's fair to say that fans, throughout the match, experienced every sort of emotion available to the human psyche. This match essentially encapsulated the Bayern Munich season, playing brilliant at times, and downright embarrassing at others. But, as they've done so many times this season, when the cards we're on the table, and they needed a victory, they somehow managed to pulled it off.

Looking forward, let's see what this match has revealed about the Bavarians, and what this means for the remainder of the season.

Overview

Taking a brief look at the match, this leg of the quarterfinal has essentially put a microscope over this Bayern Munich team, exposing their weaknesses, and highlighting their qualities. As far as weaknesses are concerned, I think any human being with deduction skills can figure out that it's the defense which is hindering this Bayern Munich team.

Two of the three goals resulted from individual defensive blunders. The first goal, a screamer from Darron Gibson, was essentially gifted to him when the men in the back allowed him all the time and space in the world to do with what he pleased. The second goal came from a cross, where Holger Badstuber seemed content enough to watch as Valencia slipped a pinpoint cross to an unmarked Nani, who skillfully tapped it past keeper Hans-Jorg Butt.

On the other side of the spectrum, Bayern Munich have also proven they can match up with the best teams in Europe, and succeed. You can see that trainer Louis Van Gaal's philosophy, one of possession, patience, and poise, is finally reaping its benefits, although it may have been questioned at times.  When Bayern take hold of a game, their quality of possession can leave any team ineffective.

Another quality of Bayern's game to be taken from this is their potent offensive.  If it's the defense that is slowing this Bayern Munich team down, it is their offense which is keeping them going.  Bayern Munich's ability to score goals has kept them in all three competitions, and will need to continue to do so for the remainder of the season.

Looking Forward

The remainder of the Bundesliga season consists of five games, most importantly, one against third place team Bayer Leverkusen this Saturday. There are a few things the boys in red need to pay attention to, in order to ensure winning the Bundesliga this season.

First is focus. Specifically, playing each game as if it were a Champions League Quarter Final game, or a Pokal semi-final game. Suprisingly, it hasn't been the tougher sides Bayern have had problems with, it's the weaker ones. Bayern have managed to beat Schalke twice recently, arguably the best team in Germany next to the Bavarians, but have dropped points against teams such as Nurnberg, Koln, and Frankfurt. They've especially had motivation problems in games following big continental wins. While their confidence might be brimming at the moment, after having knocked Manchester United, one of the firm favorites of the Champions League, out of the competition, they need to bring themselves back to earth to win another definitive Bundesliga game against a tough Leverkusen side.

Next is, dare I say it, the defense. The four in the back just can't seem to get their heads on straight. There may have been a glimpse of hope with the Argentinian, Martin Demichelis, returning from injury, but they haven't been able to produce a consistent defensive effort. This will need to be remedied if they have any hopes of dodging the formidable Leverkusen offense.

As far as the remainder of the Champions League is concerned, Bayern fans may be relieved at their draw against French side Lyon in the Semi-Finals, but should keep their expectations at bay. While Lyon may not be Barcelona or Inter Milan, Louis Van Gaal's men would be making a fatal error if they thought this game would be any easier than the others.

If they approach this leg any different than they did against Manchester United, they have a hefty dose of reality waiting for them in France.  However, assuming Munich DO perform how they have against top teams such as Manchester, both mentally and physically, they should be the favorites in the line up, and have the first opportunity since 2001 to reach the Finals of the UEFA Champions League.

In the concluding stages of the season, Bayern Munich's biggest obstacle right now is Bayern Munich. They are in a prime position to win two, maybe three competitions this season, and only they themselves will determine where they stand in the end. Mental poise and focus will be the determining factor of their success, and if they do happen to fall short, they only have themselves to blame.